مهند
HKK 341/3
Mr Cortazzi
N.
RESTRICTED PARS. Blaken 8 I agree
257/7.
Telyn
all 25/4
Had Collige
24/~11
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES: HONG KONG LEGISLATION
Problem
1.
to deal with those involved in the refugee traffic. This will
The Hong Kong Government plan to take further legal powers
be done by means of amendments to the Immigration Ordinance. The
Governor intends to enact the new legislation on 1 August, the
last day of the Legislative Council's current session.
Recommendation
2.
While the Governor is not required to obtain FCO agreement
to legislation about immigration, the Minister of State will wish
to be aware of the intention to strengthen the law relating to
trafficking in refugees, and it would be helpful if he could
indicate his support. I submit a draft telegram which should, if
possible, issue by close of play on 25 July (to enable the bill
to be gazetted on 27 July). DOT and the Legal Advisers agree.
Background
25/0
3.
After the HUEY FONG arrived off Hong Kong at the end of
last year the Hong Kong Government brought in legislation designed
to deter large-scale trafficking in refugees. Under this legis-
lation, the Hong Kong authorities have the power to search, and
where appropriate seize vessels in Hong Kong waters if they are
suspected of having been involved in refugee trafficking. The
owner or master of a vessel found to have carried excess passengers
for profit is liable to imprisonment for 2 years and a fine of
HK$10,000 (about £900), with an additional fine of HK$5,000 for
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